The British government highlighted aspects of the regulations on geographical indications in the United Kingdom and international treaties.
To begin with, geographical indication (GI) registries contain all protected names of Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs), Traditional Specialties Guaranteed (TSGs), Traditional Terms (TTs), American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and American spirits in Great Britain.
These regulations were explained at a meeting within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Geographical indications in the United Kingdom
In the case of PDOs and PGIs, product names can be protected under the following four regimes: aromatized wine, food and agricultural products (including beer, cider, and perry), spirits, and wine.
In the case of PDOs, all stages of production must take place in the defined geographical area. Each application is subject to examination and opposition procedures.
The UK government examines applications to ensure that they meet the legislative criteria. If a product meets the legislative criteria for a GI, it can proceed to the opposition stage.
The UK government examines applications to ensure they meet legislative criteria. If a product meets the legislative criteria for a GI, it can proceed to the objection stage.
The GI specification is published and any person with a legitimate interest may object to the registration of the GI or request an amendment to it.
If applied for under an international agreement and the product passes the opposition process, the product and its specification will be added to the online GI register. This entry in the register will provide protection for the product in Great Britain. TSGs are traditional products that may have been produced exclusively in a specific area, but are no longer.
The process for applying for TSG protection in Great Britain is very similar to that for PDOs and PGIs. It is also possible to apply for TT protection for wine in Great Britain. A TT is a mark of distinction and quality, but does not guarantee exclusive use.
The British government provides more information on how to apply for GI, TSG, or TT protection in Great Britain here.
International agreements
US spirits designations and AVAs receive different levels of GI protection and are protected through direct agreements with the United States, both of which were incorporated from existing agreements when the UK left the European Union.
Protection is implemented through UK national legislation. Under the terms of the Windsor Framework, GIs registered in the EU are protected in Northern Ireland.
In Great Britain, all GIs registered in the EU at the time of the UK’s departure remain protected. Any GI seeking protection after the UK’s departure must complete the UK GI registration process to ensure protection in Great Britain.
The UK has agreed provisions on GIs through various international agreements. A full list of the UK’s agreements, many of which include provisions on GIs, is available.
The UK also protects GIs through direct application by producers. The provisions protecting GIs in the UK’s international agreements comply with the TRIPS Agreement and WTO rules. They are designed to ensure that pre-existing rights and legitimate claims are considered, whether they come from a small local food producer or the government of a developing country.